[Forum Game] - World in Revolution: 1861 Mk. II

[Thandros]

The Great Caliph of the Sokoto Caliphate and Sultan of the Sokoto Sultanate Ahmad bin Atiku has arrested many of the money lenders who lent money to the Sokot Government. It has been discovered that they charged interest on these loans as they call them which means they are guilty of Usury and therefore will be shot for there crimes. Another investigation is being launched into how did money lenders even develop in Sokoto when the entire economy is run by barter. We expect a fully report on this situation next year if we can be bothered to find out. More important issues like forming a new government might take precedence.

 

[MastahCheef117]

The Confederate States of America
Deo Vindice

People of the World and of the Confederacy!​

Even now as I speak the Administration of Lincoln Africanus I "The Pirate", King of America and all that he deems belonging to him, orders the killing of Confederate Army officers in the field with no honor and no justice!

The Tyrant Lincoln has destroyed his own Bill of Rights, smashing the Constitution and all that it once stood for!-- the emancipation of the slaves has brought the good People of Maryland into the establishment of the Confederacy, as they are clearly fed up with the acts of the mad Lincoln -- and he violates the rights of all Americans!

This grave man has, unprovoked and without any true declaration of war, attacked ships of trade bearing the French naval standard, and, without the consent of the United States Congress, he declares war on that foreign nation!

King Lincoln has rejected our offers of peace and continues to wage war on our own soil, sending to their deaths thousands of men in a futile cause that cannot be won. No one loves this bloodshed except for this Tyrant.

This man has destroyed everything that the proud America has once stood for. He wars with the People of the South. He wars with the Emperor of France. His greed knows no bounds, and he intends on ending this war with the destruction of two sovereign nations.

I beg the international community, the People and Government of France, and the very people of the United States, to remove this madman from power, and to ensure that peace reigns on this good Continent.

God save the Confederacy!

~ Jefferson Finis Davis, President of the Confederate States of America

 

[Stormbringer]

With snow still on the ground in early 1864 a column of large Royal Navy ships made its way up the American coast. The stacks of smoke and Her Majesty's colours flying high ensured that neither American nor rebel ships dared intervene. The ships, part of the Royal Navy Bermuda Station, including the Station flagship HMS Black Prince, made their way into the Delaware bay and up the river to the temporary American capital of Philadelphia.

The ships anchored across from the city's waterfront, guns ominously in full view of the city's citizens and the members of Congress who had relocated there from Washington. British officers and sailors disembarked to transact their business - to secure some two hundred Americans that President Lincoln had agreed to hand over to them as pirates. The handover took place at Franklin square, just blocks from the iconic Philadelphia City Hall. American sailors and officers marched grimly by, hands bound, as their commanding officers, members of Congress, and the citizenry looked on. The British checked their names off of lists of crews of the ships that have participated in attacks on French ships in British waters. Altogether some forty officers and more than one hundred and fifty sailors were surrendered.

The British ships departed after three days in Philadelphia, arriving back in Bermuda within a short time. As expected a military court marshal found all Americans guilty of piracy with violence and sentenced them to death. Queen Victoria issued a commutation of the sentence, reducing it to seven years of hard labor in the penal colonies. At the time of the commutation she issued the following proclamation:


"Whereas piracy and other attacks on unarmed ships is an intolerable and deplorable crime against the freedom and nature of men:

And whereas during times of War certain States have routinely practiced an unrestricted and uncontrolled policy of assaulting the commercial shipping of enemy and neutral States:

And whereas we, being by the Grace of God the supreme power on all the seas and oceans of the World, bear a certain responsibility to maintain peaceful navigation:


We therefore have thought fit, by and with the advice of our privy council, to issue this our royal proclamation:


And we do hereby strictly charge and command our loyal Government to take all actions that are necessary to ensure the adherence of all sovereign powers and States to the Paris Declaration Respecting Maritime Law of 16 April 1856 as well as all the laws and statutes of the realm in this behalf or the law of nations in relation thereto, as they will answer to the contrary at their peril.


...


Victoria R

13 May, 1864"

 

[Haresus]

Recent financial surveys performed by the Bank of the Estates of the Realm have revealed shortcomings in the upcoming Swedish budget. The necessary measures to handle this situation will be taken. Taxes will be raised and certain wasteful expenses will be found and removed. However, we can not guarantee that this is enough. The Swedish economy has been rising lately, a sure sign of stability and our reliable intentions. This is why we feel that negotiations can be started with Prussia, France and the United Kingdom regarding a minor decrease in the interest rate. These three nations hold the majority of our foreign debt, and part of our recent financial troubles have been caused by the dramatic and severe increase in the British and French interest rates not long ago. It will be a pleasure to discuss this.

We expect smooth negotiations and a fine day.

- King Karl XV of Sweden and Norway

 

[etranger01]

The Kingdom of Prussia​

Prussia is disturbed by this new act of Hannoverian bellicosity, only two years after their previous militaristic misadventure. That they possess plans to invade our nation without provocation, while we have continually acted as both trading partner and friend, is grounds for military retribution. However, Prussia wishes to preserve European peace and prosperity, as a responsible Great Power, and will thus set aside this natural and fully justified response in favor of dialogue. In order to show their commitment to German unity and Continental amity, the Kingdom of Prussia expects the Kingdom of Hannover to issue a complete and immediate apology for their crude and warlike behavior, so that peace between our nations can continue unabated.

Additionally, we are gravely concerned for our Austrian brothers, who have suffered a great economic misfortune. Our diplomatic representatives are en route to Vienna even now to meet with the Austrian government, where they will discuss how Prussia might lend its assistance to its German brethren in this critical time. King William has expressed his personal concern for the people of Austria, and declared his intention to provide the full support of our Kingdom in preserving their nation.

Finally, we are dismayed that French interference in sovereign American affairs has resulted in discord and violence in the Atlantic Ocean. We call upon both the French Empire and the United States of America to reduce tensions and refrain from further warlike acts, less their dispute be inflamed even further. We are particularly concerned that the French have arrogated to themselves the right to interfere in the internal affairs of other nations, particularly given their outstanding public claims on German territory.

Given these various issues, it is crucial for the German states to be united in purpose and steadfast in their defense against foreign aggression. Accordingly, King William has called upon the heads of the North German governments to convene in Berlin, there to discuss issues of mutual defense and diplomatic cooperation. As Minister-President of Prussia, I shall lead the discussion, which I expect to be both frank and productive.

On behalf of His Royal Majesty, William I, King of Prussia,
Otto von Bismarck
Minister-President of Prussia

 

[Dadarian]

The Kingdom of Italy finds the acts of the American government to be inconsolable. Such tyranny born of a republic that is set on the prospect of Freedom and Equality is frankly disturbing and disheartening.

To the Austrian Emperor, we have an offer. The Kingdom of Italy will purchase the Duchy of Venezia in exchange for assuming some of the Austrian debt and assisting in the recovery of the Austrian economy. The Kingdom of Italy wishes to work in peace and prosperity with our northern neighbors.

People of Italy, we watch the great nations of the work build excellent railways, an yet Italy has few and outdated lines. This will change, We promise you.

Viva il Regno Italia​

~ King Vittorio Emanuele Maria Alberto Eugenio Ferdinando Tommaso di Savoia II of Italy

 

[Stormbringer]

Having witnessed the horrors of war and having negotiated with the representatives of France and Prussia, as well as with Henry Dunant of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Her Majesty's Government is glad to present the following:


CONVENTION


Article 1. Ambulances and military hospitals shall be recognized as neutral, and as such, protected and respected by the belligerents as long as they accommodate wounded and sick. Neutrality shall end if the said ambulances or hospitals should be held by a military force.

Art. 2. Hospital and ambulance personnel, including the quarter-master's staff, the medical, administrative and transport services, and the chaplains, shall have the benefit of the same neutrality when on duty, and while there remain any wounded to be brought in or assisted.

Art. 3. The persons designated in the preceding Article may, even after enemy occupation, continue to discharge their functions in the hospital or ambulance with which they serve, or may withdraw to rejoin the units to which they belong. When in these circumstances they cease from their functions, such persons shall be delivered to the enemy outposts by the occupying forces.

Art. 4. The material of military hospitals being subject to the laws of war, the persons attached to such hospitals may take with them, on withdrawing, only the articles which are their own personal property. Ambulances, on the contrary, under similar circumstances, shall retain their equipment.

Art. 5. Inhabitants of the country who bring help to the wounded shall be respected and shall remain free. Generals of the belligerent Powers shall make it their duty to notify the inhabitants of the appeal made to their humanity, and of the neutrality which humane conduct will confer. The presence of any wounded combatant receiving shelter and care in a house shall ensure its protection. An inhabitant who has given shelter to the wounded shall be exempted from billeting and from a portion of such war contributions as may be levied.

Art. 6. Wounded or sick combatants, to whatever nation they may belong, shall be collected and cared for. Commanders-in-Chief may hand over immediately to the enemy outposts enemy combatants wounded during an engagement, when circumstances allow and subject to the agreement of both parties. Those who, after their recovery, are recognized as being unfit for further service, shall be repatriated. The others may likewise be sent back, on condition that they shall not again, for the duration of hostilities, take up arms. Evacuation parties, and the personnel conducting them, shall be considered as being absolutely neutral.

Art. 7. A distinctive and uniform flag shall be adopted for hospitals, ambulances and evacuation parties. It should in all circumstances be accompanied by the national flag. An armlet may also be worn by personnel enjoying neutrality but its issue shall be left to the military authorities. Both flag and armlet shall bear a red cross on a white ground.

Art. 8. The implementing of the present Convention shall be arranged by the Commanders-in-Chief of the belligerent armies following the instructions of their respective Governments and in accordance with the general principles set forth in this Convention.

Art. 9. The High Contracting Parties have agreed to communicate the present Convention with an invitation to accede thereto to Governments unable to appoint Plenipotentiaries to the negotiations at London. The Protocol has accordingly been left open.

Art. 10. The present Convention shall be ratified and the ratifications exchanged at Paris, within the next four months, or sooner if possible.


In faith whereof, the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed the Convention and thereto affixed their seals.


Done at London, this twenty-second day of August, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four.


[X] with great pride, for Her Majesty the Queen, Lord Palmerston

 

[etranger01]

Naturally, Prussia will sign this humanitarian document of progress.

[X] - Otto von Bismarck, Minister-President of Prussia, on behalf of His Royal Majesty, William I, King of Prussia

 

[Mathrim]

Mexico sees this treaty as a step forward for mankind as a whole and will happily sign it. We are also pleased to be the first American nation to sign it, as it proves our status of beacon of liberty and progress on the two continents.

[X]Benito Pablo Juárez García, 26th president of Mexico

 

[ThePirateMan]

To begin with I will address one of the most pressing issues and a problem that people have taken with my propositions: The matter of the continuancy from the old Empire and our relations with Prussia and Austria. These concerns are missplaced, I have no intention of this new union of middle states replacing the German Confederation or severing its links with the states of Austria or Prussia, who are our brothers in blood, culture and interests. This union shall continue to exist as an entity within the German Confederation, and it is my hope that our state be able to cooperate with Prussia and Austria as equals.

The principle of this union will be self-rule, there will be no absolute monarch standing above law and people, there will be no larger state, like Wurttemburg or Bavaria, dominating smaller states, such as Nassau, but the union will be formed in such a way, as based on the ideas proposed by the popular revolutions, that will gaurantee self-determination and justice for the German people as a whole and every individual region.

This union will above all be a matter of defending our common interests as one, through the power of our combined economies and militaries, in a union wherein no state stands too tall above the rest, as Austria and Prussia presently do within the German Confederation. No insult is meant to either power in this statement, but it is a simple matter of fact that they are greatly more powerful than any other state within the confederation alone.

Maximilian II, King of Bavaria.

 

[Haresus]

Sweden has always been at the forefront of progressive action, and will continue to be so by signing this honourable and benevolent document.

[X] - Karl XV, King of Sweden and Norway.

 

[jacob-Lundgren]

The French government of course takes this step to sign the agreed upon document.

[X] Napoleon III ~ Emperor of the French

 

[Dadarian]

The Kingdom of Italy signs this humanitarian document with joy and honour. May it serve its purpose in guaranteeing the decent treatment deserving of men and soldiers.

[X] ~ King Vittorio Emanuele Maria Alberto Eugenio Ferdinando Tommaso di Savoia II of Italy

 

[jacob-Lundgren]

We thank the Italians and others for their words of support and condemn the Prussians lack of condemnation of piracy, unless of course they want to take the chance to clarify what they truly meant. Piracy anywhere, be it the open oceans or a major river or a sea should be harshly condemned. We do not desire a war with the American people but will defend ourselves against the mad-pirate Lincoln. We hope that the Congress takes up our offer to begin negotiations to smooth over any misunderstandings and to make any proper agreed-upon compensation both fair and as minimally disruptive as possible.

We mean no ill will towards the Ottoman Empire and are proud of their boldness and careful hand that have lead to an improvement in the area of and around Egypt. We look forward to a treaty with them in the coming years to improve relations between the two empires. We have no desire to absorb or annex any lands from the German Confederation and are willing to sign non-aggression pacts with the smaller members if it would put them at ease about tensions in Europe and would allow the United Kingdom to back the NaP. We will not go where we are not wanted in Europe.

Napoleon III ~ Emperor of the French

 

[etranger01]

The Kingdom of Prussia​

The Kingdom of Prussia deplores all acts of piracy regardless of circumstance or party responsible, including those carried out by American sailors. We had assumed that our disapproval of criminal acts would be well understood, especially since the incident had been satisfactorily resolved between those parties directly involved prior to our statement on foreign affairs. However, since the French have taken the time to demand a comment, we felt it expedient to reiterate our standing policy and avoid further belligerence on the subject.

While we would of course welcome the cessation of French claims to the Rhineland, which include both Prussian and Bavarian territory, any effort by the French to sign separate agreements with members of the German Confederation would be seen as far greater intrusion into German affairs and dangerously destabilize the status quo. We strongly discourage them against such a divisive and unfriendly act, which would be strongly reminiscent of a previous Bonaparte Emperor and his designs on the German people.

On behalf of His Royal Majesty, William I, King of Prussia,
Otto von Bismarck
Minister-President of Prussia

 

[jacob-Lundgren]

The Kingdom of Prussia​

The Kingdom of Prussia deplores all acts of piracy regardless of circumstance or party responsible, including those carried out by American sailors. We had assumed that our disapproval of criminal acts would be well understood, especially since the incident had been satisfactorily resolved between those parties directly involved prior to our statement on foreign affairs. However, since the French have taken the time to demand a comment, we felt it expedient to reiterate our standing policy and avoid further belligerence on the subject.

While we would of course welcome the cessation of French claims to the Rhineland, which include both Prussian and Bavarian territory, any effort by the French to sign separate agreements with members of the German Confederation would be seen as far greater intrusion into German affairs and dangerously destabilize the status quo. We strongly discourage them against such a divisive and unfriendly act, which would be strongly reminiscent of a previous Bonaparte Emperor and his designs on the German people.

On behalf of His Royal Majesty, William I, King of Prussia,
Otto von Bismarck
Minister-President of Prussia

Of course any nation that does not want to sign a treaty of non-aggression with France would not be forced to, that would simply be rude to force a NaP onto a nation.

 

[Afaslizo]

To the notice of the world,​

as the light of liberty and justice the United States of America hereby affix their signature to the Convention for the Red Cross.

[x] Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States

 

[Culise]

Our diplomatic efforts continue to bear fruit abroad. In cooperation with the Republic of Argentina and the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, we continue to further the cause of trade and commerce throughout South America. Domestically, our use of tariffs instead of taxes to fund our nation's efforts help give our industry time and space to blossom, expanding our domestic workforce and helping us become a nation that can proudly stand alongside the great powers of the world. With the watershed of the Rio de la Plata now open to free commerce, we turn our attention to the mighty Amazon. Poorly understood and mapped in the upper reaches, our attempts to explore the headwaters in previous years met with failure. However, we declare that we will once again be funding an expedition to chart the headwaters and identify navigable channels such that we may expand our own underutilized and untapped resources.

It is with great displeasure, however, that we must look to recent events in the north. The attacks on French shipping by American warships were entirely unwarranted and indiscriminate. Even if the American concern over the use of French flags to protect warships belonging to the rebellion within their nation was understandable, the attacks on French commerce and warships as far distant as British Cape Town could not be justified by any possible stretch as interdiction of shipping to rebel-held ports. It is only the fact that the American government did recognize the illegalities of their attacks and turned over the culprits to a neutral party for trial that mitigates the attacks, in our considered opinion. We congratulate the British courts and Her Imperial Majesty Queen Victoria for their lenience in commuting the sentences of those responsible for these attacks, and congratulate French moderation in their response once the Americans agreed to turn over the guilty parties.

Finally, however, we greet the recent Convention to honour the international neutrality of the Red Cross with pleasure. Though we are not one of the signatory nations who negotiated the original treaty, we wish to make it clearly known that the Empire of Brazil will certainly abide by this international convention as well. In this, we agree that in spite of whatever conflicts that may divide us in the future, no matter how acrimonious they may be, we will continue to maintain certain standards of gentlemanly behaviour in order to mitigate the worst horrors of war from being visited upon the wounded, the crippled, those who would succor aid, and those who would deliver it.

[X] His Imperial Majesty Dom Pedro II, Constitutional Emperor and Perpetual Defender of Brazil

 

[jacob-Lundgren]

To resolve the Austrian debt crisis and restore stability to the economies of central Europe, The United Kingdom, Prussia and the Empire of the French came together with the following agreement with Austria.

TREATY OF LONDON 1864

In order to bring about the assistance from the United Kingdom, Prussia and French Empire, the Austrian government must make certain agreements. To guarantee the aid wont be inadequate and too minimal to restore the Austrian financial system, Austria agrees to maintain a balanced budget or a net surplus to their treasury each year for the next three years.

Austria will be required to drydock certain elements of their navy, although the agreeing powers will guarantee their coasts in the event of piracy or rogue attack. The Austrian navy can maintain and utilize their transports and all screw frigates but their sailing frigates and ships of the line will not be in active service to lower their expenses.

The United Kingdom, Prussia and the Empire of the French agree to wave all interest owed to them on Austrian debt for the next 3 years. The amounts will not be banked and will not be owed down the line, although interest will return to normal after the 3 years unless this agreement is amended to extend the period.​

[X] Napoleon III ~ Emperor of the French

 

[Stormbringer]

TREATY OF LONDON 1864

[X] for Her Majesty, the Earl Russell